Diligent washing, wiping and sanitizing can help office professionals reduce their rates of cold and flu by as much as 80%.

72% of Americans typically go to work when they are sick.

55% of workers say they feel guilty when they call in sick.

78% of workers say they wash their hands often.

15% of workers avoid shaking hands with people to avoid germs.

3% skip meetings where sick people are in attendance.

Just how dirty is my office?

Researchers swabbed about 5,000 surfaces in office buildings, including law firms, insurance companies, healthcare offices, call centers and factories. The swabs were analyzed with a device that measures adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a molecule found in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. High ATP levels are present in food or other organic residues left on surfaces. The more ATP found on a surface, the more likely it’s flourishing with bacteria and viruses. An ATP reading of over 100 suggests a surface could use a scrub-down. Readings of 300 or higher are considered officially dirty and at high risk for spreading illness.

ATP counts of 300 or higher

75% of break room sink faucet handles

48% of microwave door handles

27% of keyboards

26% of refrigerator door handles

23% of water fountain buttons

21% of vending machine buttons

ATP counts of 100 or higher

91% of break room sink faucet handles

80% of microwave door handles

69% of keyboards

69% of refrigerator door handles

53% of water fountain buttons

51% of all computer mice

51% of all desk phones

48% of all coffee pots and dispensers

43% of vending machine buttons

Office hygiene tips

Keep hand sanitizer at your desk and use it immediately after every meeting or conference.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you get to work, especially after riding mass transit, such as trains or buses.